Gary the Crab and friends Seahorse, Angler Fish and Squid are ready and waiting in our Upper Spon Street windows for this weekend’s (5 and 6 March) performance of Spon End songs by local singer-songwriter Christopher Sidwell.
The songs celebrate the neighbourhood’s long and vibrant history and our home inside what was once Moira’s bustling Wet Fish, Fruit and Veg shop. The original shop sign still adorns the exterior of our building.
Christopher and local artist Mary Courtney, with contributions from a host of over 50 artists of all ages and abilities, have decorated our windows with a pink seascape including a portrait of Moira herself (by Christopher).
Well-known local businesswoman Moira Holt’s shop was once next door to the Black Swan Pub, which hosts more of our offices and for this weekend only, features black ‘fin-wing’ feathers on its exterior.
The weekend celebration is in part a tribute to the approaching culmination of Coventry’s year as City of Culture, which finishes in May.
We’re also grateful to Creative Kindness who contributed a handmade shoal of fish to Christopher and Mary’s exhibition. Creative Kindness has been supported by our Connecting for Good Cov movement against isolation in the city and create crafts together to inspire kindness and positivity.
Christopher himself will be accompanied by a one-metre fish with pink fingernails named Sponnie, travelling in a pram! A must-see if you ask us.
Here we share some photos new and old, set to the opening notes of Christopher’s Spon End Opera ‘Odd Sock’. He will be sharing his music on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 March from 11am to 3pm. Please come and join the fun!